...life under construction...

Temp Tattoos Inkjet Printer Sheets

2008-04-17T10:12:00.006-04:00

While on the custom temporary tattoo kick, thought I’d share another innovative, fun way to create temporary tattoos for whatever occasion

Parties

Trying out a new tattoo idea

Decorate your books, laptop, candles etc

With special decal paper you can turn any inkjet printer into a tattoo machine.

Customize and configure your own style and expression. Then simply print. If you are crafty with how you cut your tattoos out, the same sheet can be used over and over again.

In my opinion something along the lines of tattoo paper is the most cost effective way for kids, teens and adults to enjoy those fun little temporary tattoos!

Tramp Stamp Tattoo Stickers for Children

2008-04-14T22:17:00.004-04:00

Back in February I blogged about women getting tramp stamps, tattoos on their lower back, which some feel accentuate their sexuality.

In doing some blog surfing, I found a hilarious collection of temporary tramp stamp tattoos, targeted at children!

Toys ‘R Us is now selling lower back tattoo stickers in their vending machines in between the Hannah Montana and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stickers.

For fifty cents your child can now buy their own temporary tramp stamp for that last minute stop at the club.

All joking aside, if it’s all for fun and games for the children I say go for it. But I tend to agree that customization and expression should be involved in the process.

Amazon, E-bay and even Toys ‘R Us sells temporary tattoo sets that invoke a little more creativity from the growing minds.

Google Map of Tattoo Shop Locations in the Area!

2008-04-11T21:59:00.003-04:00

In creating the social network for the tattooed, we’ve almost become a resource about tattoos. One thing many people come up and tell us is that they don’t know where to go for their next idea or actual inking.

Our solution is a Google map pinpointing the tattoo and piercing shops in the Md, Va and Nc areas.

Included with the locations are

Addresses

Phone numbers

Web sites

Shop icons

People in search of their next tattoo stop can quickly access their contact information. I recommend not only calling before making a decision, but also making a preliminary visit.

Your visit to different shops gives you the opportunity to

See their previous artwork

Discuss your ideas

Ask any questions you have

Most importantly just get a feel for the shop and artist’s atmosphere!

Getting a tattoo is a form of self expression, so be careful about where you go. Get it done the way you want because it’s an everlasting one. Be safe and smart.

Think twice. Ink once.

I’ve also embedded the map below!!!

View The Full Screen Map

Map Channels - Embed a Google Map into your website or blog.

Please comment with suggestions for additions and removals!

Related Links:

Follow the Ink

Ning - create your own social network

Google Maps

Numbing Creams Can Have Life Threatening Side Effects

2008-04-08T22:15:00.005-04:00

The question recently arose on Follow the Ink whether tattooing should have pain or be pain free?

So far everyone that has commented believes that the pain should be part of the tattooing process. But there is an option of topical numbing or anesthetic creams.

On February 6 the FDA released a Public Health Advisory alerting people to the potential hazards of topical anesthetics.

The FDA is aware that the topical anesthetics such as AstraZeneca’s EMLA numbing cream and patch are used prior to medical, cosmetic and tattoo procedures to relieve

pain

burning

itching

The topical anesthetics should only be applied by a medical professional according to the FDA. They explain this is because of the adverse effects of mistreating the cream.

If there is an excessive amount applied, it remains on the skin for a long time or is covered increases the amount released into your blood stream.

This chance of course increases when you include a cosmetic or tattoo procedure.

People worried about getting a tattoo like its pain blocking attributes, but the misuse of the anesthetics can lead to life threatening side effects.

High levels enter the blood stream could lead to

Irregular heartbeat

Seizures

Coma

Slowed or stopped breathing

Possibly even death from the toxic effects

Back in December 2007 the FDA also released a warning to the five big companies to stop selling standardized topical anesthetic creams.

I think that the pain is part of the rite of passage in getting a tattoo. Enduring that burden is part of what I think is fundamental to having the privilege of such artwork for everyone to see!

Photo courtesy of EMLA

Related Links & Articles:

EMLA Web site

Description of EMLA numbing cream

Wikipedia on the subject

Follow the Ink - New Tattoo Social Network

2008-04-03T23:37:00.004-04:00

Last week my Online Journalism partner Taft Nesbitt and I launched our social network for the tattooed. It is a place where people with ink can share their story because,

“Where there’s ink, there’s a story.”

At our social network Follow the Ink we welcome everyone to post about whatever they want, but the overall tattoo topic would be preferred!

It also has a lot of other awesome features!

You can:

Post Photos
Post Videos
Upload Music DIRECTLY from your computer and other members!
Blog & comment with other tattooed members!
Interactive Google map showing all the hot tat shops in the area!! (Available next week!)
Customize your page with wicked pre-made templates!

Just don't forget, keep it decently clean... this is for school! ^_^

We already have members posting pictures of their tattoos, piercings and sharing their stories!

But the feature of our social network will be our video project. We are interviewing students about their tattoos and their stories and posting them for everyone!

Topics can range from...

• How many tattoos do you have?
• Meaning in the tattoo? Reason behind getting tattoo(s)?
• How much have you spent?
• Any regrets?

If you or friends are a student or a recent graduate within the last two to three years then you should check out our table/kiosk in the GMU Johnson Center next week!

JOHNSON CENTER KIOSK TIMES:
4/8/2008 6:00PM 8:00PM JC Kiosk Counter A
4/10/2008 6:00PM 8:00PM JC Kiosk Counter E
4/11/2008 5:00PM 7:00PM JC Kiosk Counter A

This project is a lot about debunking myths about people who get tattoos and why they get them. We hope to help with the evolution and respect for tattoos.

As of right now, most businesses have some form of dress code that addresses the topic of tattoos in the work place. The only way to change that is to change the opinions of the employers.

So let’s talk about it! Join out social network! Stop by the JC! Or just send me an e-mail web cam video of you chatting about your ink!

Surface Piercing Videos!!!

2008-04-01T18:21:00.004-04:00

Now that I have surface piercings on everyone's mind, I know you want to see some done! I've scoured up some awesome videos of wrist piercings and a few other popular surface piercings.

**THE SQUEAMISH SHOULD BE WEARY!**

The first videos are of wrist piercings!

Video credit: Alaysia0826

Video credit: helloimkelly

It was actually hard to find a video of a good neck piercing. There were a lot that used the wrong jewerly; a straight bar with no or little curve will reject!

This one uses good technique and turns out beautiful. This was just pierced about a month ago.

Video Credit: hxc281

The next video is the very cute sternum piercing!

Video Credit: erikagrl13

The last video isn't the actual piercing, but just showing off the vampire's kiss.

Video Credit: stfujesskuh

These last two are ones that I am considering, especially because they can be easily hidden.

But I still am weary of another failure... but that's part of the thrill!

Related Links:
BME Encyclopedia
More Youtube.com Videos
So You Want A Surface Piercing?

My First Surface Piercings

2008-03-29T14:35:00.014-04:00

After writing about surface piercings in general, I thought I should include my experience.

On July 15, 2006, I got both of my wrists pierced at the Clinton, Md. sister shop of Mystic Piercing & Tattooing.

I had done my fair share of research on surface piercings when I fell in love with the idea of wrist piercings. Since high school I had worn thin, colored plastic bracelets that never came off. I saw wrist piercings as the body modification step up.

After about three months of mental and monetary preparation (wrist piercings = $45 each), I called and made an appointment with Ben, the piercing artist.

On the phone with Ben, I could tell he was excited. He informed me he was experienced and would take care of me and my piercings.

After the piercings he informed me I was his first wrist piercing, which left me a little insecure but happy nonetheless.

Cleaning my wrists was the hardest part. It was quite painful and took anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to clean them properly.

Also, I quickly found out the wrist if a VERY mobile location and is also a high impact area. At least once a week I would hit a wrist hard enough to bring me to tears.

It was the beginning of the end.

After three months my right wrist piercing began to reject and grow an infection pocket. The far right hole began to expand and push up the surface bar. It was removed the weekend before Halloween.

With the right one gone, I put all my energy and TLC into the left wrist. Shortly, it too got an infection pocket between the two holes and started to reject.

Ben instructed me through regiments of peroxide treatment and then cutting back to washing it. After several attempts, he called it and the second piercing was removed New Year’s Eve 2006.

After they were both removed, I felt I should have:

Visited different shops and talked with different piercing artists before deciding.
Thought more about the mobility of my wrists.

Thought more about the location. The piercings should have been further up my arm, instead of where the wrist rotates.
Started out with just one wrist piercing.

Overall I was so happy to have the experience and body modification for as long as I did. I honestly enjoyed people’s reaction and questions.

I work in the campus bookstore and a co-worker overheard some students talking about the chick with her wrists pierced that works at the bookstore!
It’s always entertaining to see and hear the impact your life and body has on other people. Could be why body modifications are so popular?!

It may not be permanent like a tattoo, but the experience can be as rewarding.

Basics of Surface Piercing

2008-03-26T10:42:00.004-04:00

When it comes to the topic of surface piercings, some people are completely intrigued and others are utterly disgusted. So fair warning, some of the pictures and videos below may make you cringe and aren’t for the queasy!

The life of a surface piercing depends on a few key factors:

Does the piercing artist really know what they are doing?
Or are they just excited about doing something unique?

Where do you want the surface piercing?
Some areas are more prone to rejection than others. Especially if it will be hit or impacted often.

What kind of jewelry did you and the artist decide to use?
To properly heal a piercing there needs to be enough room to move the jewelry to clean it.

Any bad decision made on the previous questions can lead to the rejection of that new surface piercing. Mainly because your body is trying to fight your piercing from the moment it’s introduced. It is a foreign object and the body thinks it is under attack.

If you impact your piercing, even years after it has healed, it can still start the rejection process.

For all these reasons surface piercings need some serious TLC if you expect them to last, even if it is just an 80 percent chance.

Photo Credit: Hand web piercing, suspension surface piercing, an eyelid piercing and 13 piercing necklace

So why get one? Because sometimes people just fall in love with body modifications. From the temporary to the longer lasting piercings.

The New Tattoo Touch Up

2008-03-22T01:23:00.008-04:00

I wanted to write a follow up on my friend, Oliver Freeman, who got a tattoo done by an independent tattoo artist on February 16.

A few weeks ago Freeman quit the Shawn Anthony Magic Present Mystified tour where he met his artist, Erica Aragon. She too has recently left the tour and headed back to Florida.

Freeman said he would either have to pay to get it touched up in Northern Virginia or travel down to Florida to have it done for free.

Freeman has found a few holes in the solid black ink in his tattoo. Also, some of the outlining might need some touch up.

Tattoo artists typically include the first touch up visit following the two to four week healing process. After healing, most tattoos need some touch up work.
“This is especially true in the case of designs that have a large area of one solid color, particularly black,” says Gimme Ink Tattoo Studios in New York.

“When filling in solid areas of color it is very easy to miss a few spots since light spots are hard to see before healed. After two weeks, you'll notice right away if there are any obvious areas that need to be touched up.”

Sadly this follow up on independent tattoo artists doesn’t answer some key questions:

How safe is an independent artist?
How do their traveling skills differ from shop artists?
How do they maintain their legality and/or shop affiliation?

Related Articles and Links:

Care of Permanent Cosmetics & Makeup

Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare Aids

Buy & Wear Your Tattoo On Your Sleeve

2008-03-19T00:22:00.012-04:00

Not only can you model permanent and temporary skin tattoos, but now you are able to sport the same designs on your clothing.

Stores, online and off, are offering tattoo designed clothing to appeal to the tattooed community.

This may not be a completely original idea, because places like Hot Topic have been selling alternate clothing for about 20 years. In addition, many tattoo shops now carry clothing, jewelry and several other impulse buys.

But the idea of reaching out to the tattoo community isn’t solely profit based.

One store’s main purpose of selling is to illustrate the tattoo artists’ talents, beyond what they can do on skin.

Merchandise including:

Clothing

Accessories

Photo print

Books

“More than just a store, Canvas Los Angeles is a place to support and discover tattoo artists, and to educate the public about the community from which these artists come,” states the Canvas Los Angeles Web site.

Photo by Canvas Los Angeles Artwork by Black Market Art Co.

Another online store, Tattoo Tribe, is not just highlighting artists, but mainly the history and variety of tattoos from across the world.

Some examples include:

Tribal tattooing

Tattoo quotes

Classic pin-up girls

Kanji designs

Butterfly tattoos

Skull designs

Really like some of the different styles of tattoo, but don’t want to get a piece just to sport it? Get some clothing artwork and support the artists and tattoo culture in general.

To evolve the tattoo culture is to hopefully expand the knowledge and appreciation.

Related Articles and Links:

Canvas Los Angeles Web site

Canvas Los Angeles Store

Article about Canvas Los Angeles in Inked Magazine

Tattoo Tribe Web site

Suicide Girls Store

Being Rejected By A Tattoo Artist

2008-03-15T23:36:00.006-04:00

An attention-grabbing, recent news article from Bennington, Vt. was about a man that was arrested after crashing his vehicle into Tattoo Artist Thomas Keith’s house where his 1-year-old daughter was sleeping.

Myers then proceeded to chase him in the front yard, all because Keith wouldn’t add on to his Nazi or Aryan Nation tattoos.

Local Vermont man, Michael Myers, was enraged when Keith said he would not work on his tattoos, but did Keith have the right to reject him?

According to the Bennington Police Department, Myers is being held without bail.

Myers is charged with:

Attempted first-degree murder
Aggravated assault with a weapon
Reckless endangerment
Unlawful trespassing
Resisting arrest
Leaving the scene of a crash
Driving under the influence of alcohol, third offense
Two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
Two counts of unlawful mischief

Artists Have The Right To Choose...

Whether customers like it or not, the artists have a right to NOT tattoo you. Getting tattooed by an artist should be looked at like a privilege, not a requirement. Whether you agree with their decisions or not, it is like you are in their house so you respect them and their talent either way.

Marvel Art Tattoos Artist Eddie Snyder said in an interview with The Shreveport Times that as a Christian he too refuses to do certain types of tattoos.

Snyder refuses to do:

Satanic tattoos
Numbers of the beast or pentagrams
Racist images
Any tattoos on the face

...As Long As You Don't Discriminate

Now that I’ve said tattoo artists have a right to refuse certain tattoos, this does NOT give them the right to discriminate. Let’s not forget about the Fourteenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.

What if the artist misunderstands a religion?

Wiccans do not believe in Satan, and find the five pointed pentacle to represent the five life aspects; the spirit and four earth elements.

Would Snyder tattoo a Wiccan? Would he tattoo a pentacle?

Some questions that arise:

Where is the deciding line drawn?
Who gets to draw this line?
Does this not get decided because tattoo life is still on the back burner for many states?

Any feedback or follow up questions? In the mean time I’ll be on the prowl for relevant court cases!

Britney Spears Hebrew Tattoo Disappearing Act

2008-03-13T23:17:00.022-04:00

After four years, two marriages and a couple of children, Britney Spears removed the Hebrew characters or letters of healing from her neck.

Several news Web sites and blogs have recently posted pictures and comments about Spears’ missing Hebrew tattoo. The three Hebrew letters Mem Hei Shin represent awareness of healing, which is used in Jewish mysticism or Kabbalah.

After spending time with fellow Kabbalah follower Madonna, Spears originally got the tattoo on the back of her neck in 2004. (Photos by Hollywood Backwash)

Several other celebrities practice Kabbalah:

Arthur Goldwag, author of The Beliefnet Guide to Kabbalah, said the term Kabbalah indicates the passing and receiving of doctrines and training that was handed down through generations. Goldwag also explains that not many took on these teachings because they are considered dangerous and only taught to chosen students.

“According to legend, the original teacher of Kabbalah was Moses,” wrote Goldwag. “Who was said to have received the teaching from God on Mount Sinai at the same time as the Ten Commandments.”

According to a ContatctMusic.com article, friends of Spears told reporters that she wanted to show the world she “couldn’t cope.”

Whatever the real reason for the removal, there is always the possibility that Spears may change her mind and have it back.

One blogger, Meg Wilson, predicted in 2007 that Spears’ tattoos couldn’t be labeled as permanent and would probably see a disappearing act in the future.

A little abracadabra, five to fifteen laser removal sessions and poof…

Hebrew healing tattoo is gone.

Now only if it were that easy for the rest of us non-celebrities.

Other Related Articles and Links:
Close up of Spears' Hebrew tattoo
Female First article on Spears' removal
Moore and Kutcher leaving the Kabbalah scene?
The Kabbalah Centre
Judaism 101: Kabbalah

Video Follow Up on Eyeball Tattooing

2008-03-08T18:26:00.008-05:00

Not for the faint and weary! FYI: Someone IS getting their eyeball tattooed!

Eyeball Tattoo - Real Visual Destruction

If you couldn't get enough of eyeball tattooing with pictures alone, then you have to check out this YouTube.com video posted by KillBoyMotz.

Some tattoo artists with some free time and crazy ideas decide to give their friend Randy a green eye sclera tattoo. Posted on January 17, the tattooing video definitely follows the previously mentioned July 2, 2007 blue eye sclera tattoo by three members of BME’s ModBlog.

It does raise a few questions:

Is eyeball tattooing becoming something more people are willing to experiment with?
Is tattooing your eyeball not as dangerous as it sounds?
What is there left to tattoo? What body part will be the next first?

I still fall behind the understanding that eyeball tattooing is still very experimental. But if committed, like for all body modifications, you should be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Other Related Articles and Links:

Visual Destruction Official Web site

Who needs skin? Eyeball Tattooing!

2008-03-04T17:51:00.022-05:00

Some things still make me squeamish, and I’ve seen my share of body modifications! The body modification that is fairly new and making the news and blogs is eyeball tattooing.

A new step in eyeball tattooing is coloring in the white sclera, like three members of BME’s ModBlog did on July 2, 2007. A series of injections, about 40 in the first session, inject the ink at specfic depths to hold the ink without damage to the eye.

Recently London’s Sun and Australia’s The Courier Mail posted articles claiming different timelines of the first person to tattoo on eyeballs.

On February 27, the Sun posted the July sclera tattooing as being “The world’s first eye tattoo.”

Later that night on February 27, The Courier Mail posted an article stating that in 1991 their reporter Philip Hammond published a story about Laurie Hirst, an eye surgeon who tattooed on a local girl’s damaged eye. The girl’s eye was white instead of colored with an iris and pupil, so Hirst tattooed these on.

This argument over who was the first to tattoo an eye is blury on its own. The media organizations are comparing the tattooing of a damaged eye versus a healthy, fully functional eye.

Cosmetic surgery on damaged eyes are common and have been around since the second century, according to Science News (previously Science News Letter), an award-winning weekly newsmagazine.

In the November 1937 edition of the Science News Letter, Dr. Ramon Castroviejo stated the following uses of cornea tattooing:

Use of tattoo ink to fill in opaque spots on the cornea that interfere with vision.
Use of tattoo ink to add color to the iris and pupil of the eye if it is missing color.

Photo by http://www.heidilassiter.com/

Today similar cornea tattooing can be done at the same location that many other cosmetic procedures are conducted.

For instance, in North Carolina, Registered Nurse Heidi Lassiter is a board certified permanent make-up artist performing cornea surgeries in addition to permanent makeup.

But, like all tattooing and ink pigments, it is not approved by the FDA and under investigation.

Eyeball tattooing is not quite a new fad, but something a handful of people are experimenting with. ModBlog warns this is a highly experimental procedure and should not be attempted.

So be smart, safe and sterile when it comes to tattooing, especially to the EXTREME.

Through ModBlog you can follow the three people who got their sclera injected with blue ink:

July 2, 2007

July 2, 2007

July 4, 2007

Other Related Articles and Links:
Needled Blog on Eyeball Tattooing

BME Encylopedia on Eyeball Tattooing

Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals

Hey, I Know That Tattoo!

2008-03-02T13:46:00.017-05:00

Last night I was out with my girlfriends and ran into someone who randomly bought my friend and me drinks two years ago spotted us on the basis of my tattoo.

Creepy? A little!

Since I got my back piece, black eagle wing tattoo,
about two and a half years ago I’ve always loved
showing it off. But recent actions have made think a little deeper about having such a big, identifiable
tattoo.

I’ve come up with a couple pros and cons of having a distinguished tattoo:

If someone changes physically, you can still pinpoint them in a crowd.

If found as unconscious or dead, your body could be easily identified. Morbid, but true! Not only have I seen this on CSI, but there are several programs available for tattooing pets for identification.

It’s typical to get a lot of interesting comments about your artwork.

It could affect some future job functions and wardrobe decisions.

Despite its rarity, prior to getting an MRI it wouldn’t be a bad idea to inform your doctor about large amounts of ink.

Overall, I wouldn’t change getting my tattoo for the world. Despite my complaints, I don’t mind the attention my tattoo occasionally brings.

Like most people, I just like being in charge of the amount and degree of attention. But like life, you can’t always get what you want.

So until next time,

Think twice. Ink once.

Related Articles:

http://www.tattoo-a-pet.com/

MSNBC: Body Identified As Chipley

Tramp Stamp?

2008-02-26T18:01:00.014-05:00

In a conversation I recently heard someone use the phrase tramp stamp in describing a woman’s lower back tattoo. After research I discovered tramp stamp is characteristically used with a derogatory connotation referring to women who use the tattoo to accentuate their sexuality.

Photo by Malingering

The sexuality is in the location of the tattoo. The small of a female’s back has long been associated as a sensual spot. Several people think the addition of a tattoo produces an erotic element, sometimes labeled as a tramp stamp.

In addition to the lower back location, people sometimes include a secondary definition of tramp stamp which suggests a promiscuous natured woman.

Some women find humor in this and call and post their own ink as a tramp stamp.

In Wedding Crashers, Vince Vaughn’s character said, “Tattoo on the lower back? Might as well be a bull’s-eye.”

Where some find humor, others find insult. Overall, derogatory terms are typically offensive in any practice, so be weary.

Literal tramp stamp tattoo courtesy of ModBlog

Kat Von D Tattoos Her Way into the Guinness Book of World Records

2008-02-22T00:52:00.006-05:00

Kat Von D, from the Miami Ink spin-off television show LA Ink recently succeeded in making the Guinness Book of World Records for tattooing 400 people in 24 hours.

The episode aired on Tuesday, February 19, showing the tired Von D tattoo the same LA design on 400 people, but in different places. According to one girls account on LAist.com, you couldn’t get it on your neck, feet or hands.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records Web site, there was no previous record for the most people tattooed in one day.

So I think a CONGRATULATION is in order!

One of the lucky 400 that helped Von D reach her goal!

Top right picture courtesy Kat Von D press kit

Friends Letting Friends Tattoo

2008-02-20T01:57:00.001-05:00

Where do the independent tattoo artists fit in with the FDA’s decision to begin researching tattoo pigments and officials increasingly cracking down on tattoo health permits?

Recently Oliver Freeman, got his first tattoo and it was done by an independent artist, someone not working out of a shop.

Erica Aragon, the tattoo artist, is working on the Shawn Anthony Magic Present Mystified tour with Freeman. Aragon, who acts as Shawn Anthony’s personal assistant, is affiliated with a tattoo shop in Florida. Currently, she is attempting to gain references in Virginia so she may officially file to be licensed here.

Despite her Florida only affiliation, Aragon tattooed Freeman and a second person in the same night.

According to Freeman, she used clean needles and gloves during the tattooing.

“She’s clean and all,” said Freeman. “She had a whole set up.”

Aragon set up shop inside the living room of one of their fellow co-workers and began issuing tattoos.

Freeman said he was overall very pleased with his first tattoo, which is actually the logo for his independent sound and music productions, RauchenWolf.

Following the tattoo process, Aragon neglected to explain how to clean and take care of the healing tattoo. Taking care of a new tattoo is key to it having a long, non-fading life. Freeman feels confident though because he knows he can always contact her with questions.

This situation leaves many questions in the air…

Is it more comfortable getting tattooed by a friend or a shop artist?
With a stranger, would you feel more comfortable asking prodding questions about their cleanliness?
Do you feel safer getting tattooed by a friend or a shop artist?

I’m in the process of scheduling an interview with Aragon so she can explain the steps she takes to sterilize her tools and steps she takes protect her customers and herself.

So until next time, think twice, ink once...

Officials Begin to Examine Tattoo Health Risks

2008-02-15T00:05:00.005-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!

Not only is it Valentine’s Day but it’s also my 23 birthday! I love celebrating this holiday on top of the birthday fun!

Picture courtesy of Flickr.

So haven’t stopped by Marlowe’s Ink yet, but it’s coming up this week (delay echoes from my birthday…)

But on the topic of tattoo shops, I read recently on Middletown Journal that an Ohio tattoo shop was closed after a police sting and the arrest of the shop owner for not having a health permit.

Ohio police aren’t the only officials to crack down on the health aspect of tattoos and piercings. The FDA posted a consumer health update stating they have gotten reports of tattoo ink reactions spanning people who are newly tattooed to those with year(s) old ink. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, investigation into some of these health risk cases have lead to unlicensed tattoo artistry.

On their December 2007 consumer update, the FDA stated the following risks for getting tattoos:

Infections such as like hepatitis and HIV
Tattoo pigment allergic reactions
Scarring from both getting and removing tattoos
Small knots or bumps that form under the skin
Very rarely tattoo swelling or burning during a MRI can occur

The FDA will be conducting research on tattoo ink pigments to determine the safety of tattoos and the human body. But until there are any conclusions and approvals, they claim no responsibility for health risks in relation to tattoos.

“The FDA has not approved any tattoo inks for injection into the skin,” said their consumer update. “And many ink pigments used are industrial strength colors suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.”

The FDA is just starting their research, but why have they waited so long to investigate when tattoos have been increasing each year?

About 36 percent of people born between 1981 and 1988 have at least one tattoo, according to a study released in January 2007 by the Pew Research Center.

The FDA stated in the consumer update that there were other public health concerns that were more urgent.

In the mean time, don’t stop getting tattoo’s quite yet. It all depends on the individual and how their body handles allergic reactions. But, overall tattoo pigment reactions are quite uncommon.

Constructing Customized Clothing

2008-02-09T11:40:00.000-05:00

Levi's® Japan is reaching out to those tattooed to the max by customizing a laser etching on their jeans. Levi’s suggests in their new ad campaign that they are providing more artistic space to all, especially the tattooed community.

Picture courtsey of The Commercial Archive

Photographer Simon Harsent has worked with the Tokyo based company to cover the campaign called Need More Space?

In looking at some of Harsent’s photos, some of the tattoos don’t quite look real.
So do you think
• They found models/actors with tattoos
• Or they picked the perfect models/actors and painted what they wanted?

My vote is on the latter…

If I’m correct, that could be quite offensive. I mean, wouldn’t that be adding to the stigma of tattooed people being criminals and outcasts?

Despite their approach, I think that clothing customization is an awesome idea. I too am having some personalizations done.

A friend does paintings and clothing customization with airbrushes. He offered to do some work for me and we are in the process of designing some roses on the leg of my jeans and a spongebob squarepants tee shirt. Yay!

One last key thing to mention, I am in the process of creating a social network, it will be like a Myspace or Facebook for the tattooed and the pierced. I want to get stories, pictures, reactions and most importantly communication! This will become key to my final project for my COMM 361 class.

COMING UP: First visit to a local tattoo and piercing shop, Marlowe Ink in Fairfax, Va. Check back for pics, comments and interviews!

Building the Foundation

2008-02-04T00:59:00.000-05:00

As part of my Online Journalism class at GMU I need to create, design, publish and update a personal blog and Web site. Life Under Construction is something that I came up with that speaks out to all of us about to graduate, or even to those who are just starting in their long haul of life after high school. After breaking the bonds from parents and high school restrictions, our lives are under our construction and each day and each experience adds on to its depth, dimension and beauty.

Some decide to make these experiences a more physical representation on their bodies. Tattoos, piercings and body modification are about expressing a personal art form.

While here in NoVa I’ve meant a lot of great people, close friends and many amazing places in the area. Some of these great places include tattoo and piercing shops in the MD and NoVa area, and I plan to share them, various people’s experiences, debunk some myths and open a few minds.

Keep checking back for my updates, news and comments on life in both my world and the world of tattoos, piercings and body modifications.